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Portrait of Muhammad Ali

Photo: Ira Rosenberg · Public domain

Muhammad Ali

Champion of Palestinian Solidarity

Friend of PalestineNot Palestinian, and stood with Palestine
Born
17 January 1942
Born in
Louisville, Kentucky, USA
Read Muhammad’s story5 videosAsk about Muhammad

Why Muhammad is here

Global Icon Supporting Palestinian Rights

Their story

Muhammad Ali (1942–2016), born Cassius Clay in Louisville, Kentucky, won Olympic gold in 1960 and became the three-time heavyweight champion of the world, widely seen as the greatest boxer of all time. He was stripped of his title in 1967 for refusing the draft to Vietnam, a stand the US Supreme Court upheld in 1971.

On a visit to Lebanon in 1974 he toured Palestinian refugee camps and declared his support for the Palestinian struggle to return to their homeland. He stood with Palestinians at a time when few public figures in America would, and he remains a hero in the camps he visited.

Milestones

The moments that shaped Muhammad’s path.

  1. 1960

    Olympic Gold Medal

    Won the light heavyweight gold medal at the Rome Olympics.

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  2. World Heavyweight Champion

    Became the world heavyweight boxing champion multiple times, starting in 1964.

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  3. 1964

    Conversion to Islam

    His conversion marked a significant personal transformation that aligned with his civil rights advocacy.

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  4. Opposition to the Vietnam War

    Refused induction into the U.S. Army due to his religious beliefs and opposition to the war, symbolizing his stance against oppression.

  5. Humanitarian Efforts

    Engaged in numerous global causes, advocating for underprivileged people worldwide.

Legacy

What they built, changed and left behind.

  1. Support for Palestinian Rights

    Visited Palestinian refugee camps in Lebanon, declaring his support for the Palestinian struggle and emphasizing solidarity from the Muslim community in America.

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  2. Global Humanitarianism

    Used his celebrity to raise awareness and advocate for various humanitarian causes, including efforts in support of Palestinian refugees.

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  3. Civil Rights Activism

    Was an active participant in America's civil rights movement, using his position to fight racial injustice, which paralleled his support for oppressed peoples globally.

  4. Public Advocacy

    Spoke publicly and candidly on various political issues, often bringing attention to the struggles of marginalized communities, including Palestinians.

  5. Cultural Impact

    His outspoken nature and global stature helped raise international awareness about the plight of Palestinians among other global issues.

Ask about Muhammad

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Watch & listen

Muhammad in interviews, talks and coverage.

  • 01Olympic Gold Medal↗

  • 02World Heavyweight Champion↗

  • 03Conversion to Islam↗

  • 04Support for Palestinian Rights↗

  • 05Global Humanitarianism↗

Further reading

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